Yankees, Matsui Reach Preliminary Deal

Japanese star Hideki Matsui and the New York Yankees reached a preliminary agreement Thursday on a $21 million, three-year contract.

Matsui must past a physical for the deal to be finalized.

"The Yankees are very fortunate to come to an understanding with one of the world's premier players," general manager Brian Cashman said. "This demonstrates our organization's commitment to identify and secure talent on a global scale."

The three-time MVP of Japan's Central League will get salaries of $6 million in 2003, $7 million in 2004 and $8 million in 2005, a baseball executive said on the condition of anonymity.

The 28-year-old Matsui becomes the second Japanese player to join the Yankees in the past several years, following Hideki Irabu, who pitched for New York from 1997-99.

Cashman spent much of Wednesday night negotiating with Matsui's agent, Arn Tellem, who was in contact with his player in Japan.

Matsui, whose nickname is "Godzilla," would be a corner outfielder for the Yankees. He has a .304 career average in Japan with 332 homers and 889 RBIs in 1,268 games. He led the Central League last season with 50 homers and 107 RBIs, and had the second-highest average at .334.

He struggled last month during an All-Star series in Japan against major leaguers, hitting just .161 (5-for-31) with no homers and two RBIs.